On the 30th anniversary of the Subway Sarin Incident, the world recalls one of the most horrifying events to ever take place on public transportation. On March 20, 1995, Tokyo's subway system was rocked by the Aum Shinrikyo cult's act of terror, leaving 14 people dead and over 6,000 injured. This tragic event is immortalized not only through memorials and stories of survival but also through upcoming dramatizations such as the documentary drama titled "1995–Subway Sarin Incident 30 Years: Voices from the Rescue Site," featuring prominent actor and voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda.
Kenjiro Tsuda, 53, recently attended a joint press conference for this highly anticipated Fuji TV documentary drama, which will air on March 21, 2025, at 9 PM. Tsuda plays the role of Dr. Tatsuhiko Tsuru, modeled after a real-life physician who managed emergency and rescue operations during the chaos of the incident. Reflecting on his role, Tsuda expressed deep contemplation about the impact and significance of portraying such harrowing real-life events. "I found myself wondering, 'What was this all about?' as I prepared to depict the intense experiences of those involved," he shared during the press conference.
The Subway Sarin Incident is infamous not only for the tragedy it inflicted on innocent civilians but also for marking the first time chemical weapons were unleashed on the public. On the morning of the attack, as rush hour commuters filled the Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Chiyoda subway lines, five members of the cult discreetly released sarin gas by dropping bags containing the highly toxic nerve agent on the floor of train cars.
According to reports, the bags, wrapped hastily with newspaper, were punctured using sharpened umbrella tips just moments before the attackers exited the trains. The sarin gas, which was brownish due to impurities from its rapid manufacturing, began to evaporate and spread quickly through the subway cars. Within minutes, passengers began experiencing alarming symptoms; at approximately 8:31 AM, reports confirmed victims suffering from visual disturbances and respiratory difficulties.
By 8:43 AM, local police received frantic communications from subway employees reporting disturbing scenes. "There are about 40 to 50 people collapsing near the Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple," one officer relayed concerning the immediate aftermath. It was only at around 11 AM, hours after the gas had been released, when authorities confirmed the high likelihood of sarin's involvement.
This event has instigated deep scrutiny over emergency response protocols and the efficiency of law enforcement. Critics argue the delayed response was partially due to bureaucratic division among police departments, which hindered prompt communication and coordination during crises. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies restructured their operational methods to address the rising threats of such chemical attacks.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult, initially known as the "Aum Shinsen no Kai," began its activities under the guise of yoga and meditation practices before transforming itself through increasingly violent tendencies. The group, led by the charismatic Shoko Ashahara, also known as Tomomitsu Matsumoto, targeted subway commuters deliberately during the packed rush hour to maximize casualties and create panic.
Consisting of cult members primarily drawn from their yoga circles, the organization had been involved in multiple criminal activities leading up to the sarin attack, including kidnappings and murders. The subway incident was reportedly seen by the cult as a means to distract authorities from their illegal activities, as they were under investigation by law enforcement for earlier crimes, including the confirmed death of public prosecutor's office staff.
Following the chilling attacks, law enforcement captured and punished the perpetrators involved. The collective effort of the police and emergency responders has since evolved to address the more significant threats posed by such extremist groups.
Currently, the legacy of the Aum Shinrikyo cult lingers, with its offshoots, now operating under names like Aleph and Hikari no Wa, continuing to attract followers. Alarmingly, around 70% of new recruits over the past decade belong to the younger demographics of their 20s and 30s. Despite earlier restrictions imposed by the government, the cult's ideology remains alive, prompting authorities to monitor their activities closely.
The gripping narrative of the Subway Sarin Incident, supplemented by dramatic retellings like Tsuda's forthcoming portrayal, ensures the disturbing memories remain vivid within the public consciousness. Let's hope these stories serve not only as reminders of the past but also as lessons guiding future generations against the devastating impact of fanatical ideologies and the horror of chemical warfare.